A notarized application is a formal document or form that has been signed by the applicant in the physical or virtual presence of a commissioned notary public, who officially verifies the signer’s identity and their willingness to sign. Government agencies, professional licensing boards, and financial institutions require this crucial step to prevent identity fraud and ensure that the person submitting the application is exactly who they claim to be.
Whether you are applying for a professional medical license, submitting corporate compliance forms, requesting a passport for a minor, or filing international business registrations, submitting a standard, unverified form is not enough. If the receiving agency requires a notarized signature and you fail to provide one—or if the notarization is executed incorrectly—your application will be immediately rejected, causing severe delays in your professional or personal plans.
At Notary Public Center, our specialists ensure your critical documents are authenticated correctly the first time. Through our secure Remote Online Notarization (RON) services, you can complete your notarized application from anywhere in the world, guaranteeing strict compliance with U.S. standards.
Why Do Agencies Require a Notarized Application?
When you mail or upload an application to a government agency or a corporate board, the receiving clerk has no way of knowing if the signature on the paper actually belongs to you. To eliminate the risk of forgery, perjury, and identity theft, agencies rely on notaries public as impartial, state-commissioned witnesses.
When a notary signs and stamps your application, they are validating two main things:
Identity Verification: The notary has examined your government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) and confirmed your identity.
Volition and Awareness: The notary ensures you understand the contents of the application and are signing it of your own free will, without duress.
Additionally, many notarized applications require a Jurat. This means the notary will administer an oath or affirmation, requiring you to swear under penalty of perjury that the statements you made within the application are entirely true and correct.
Common Types of Notarized Applications
While hundreds of forms require official authentication, some of the most common applications that demand a notary’s seal include:
Professional Licensing Applications: Medical, real estate, engineering, and legal boards frequently require notarized background check forms and licensure applications.
Passport Applications for Minors (Form DS-3053): If one parent cannot be present when applying for a child’s passport, they must submit a notarized Statement of Consent.
Corporate Filings: Applications to register a foreign entity, certain banking forms, and applications for specific government vendor contracts.
Vital Records Requests: Applications to obtain certified copies of birth certificates or death certificates by mail often require a notarized sworn statement to prove you are an authorized party.
1. Know if your application needs to be notarized
Before starting the process, double-check if the organization requesting your application requires notarization. Some common cases include:
- Immigration forms (affidavits of support, declarations)
- School forms (parental authorizations, residency verifications)
- Job applications for government or healthcare roles
- Loan and grant applications
- Licensing or permit forms
Tip: If you’re unsure, contact us — Notary Public Center can review your application and tell you whether notarization is required.
2. Prepare your document before the appointment
Fill out all the necessary fields except your signature — you must sign during the notarization session. Also, have any additional pages or supporting documents ready.
Our team can review your file before the session and let you know if anything’s missing or incorrect to avoid delays.
3. Use our online notarization for speed and convenience
With Notary Public Center, you don’t need to travel, mail documents, or wait for an appointment at a physical office. Our platform allows you to notarize your application entirely online, legally and securely.
Here’s how it works:
- Send us to upload your document
- Verify your identity using one of our 3 secure methods
- Meet with a notary via video call
- Sign your document
- Receive your notarized application instantly by email
4. Choose the identity verification method that works best for you
We understand that everyone’s situation is different, so we offer flexible identity verification options accepted under U.S. law:
- Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA). Answer a few multiple-choice questions based on your public records (address, credit history, etc.).
- Facial Biometric Verification. Take a quick selfie and upload your ID. Our system compares them securely to verify your identity.
- Live Notary Video Call. Show your ID directly to the notary during the session — perfect if you don’t have a Social Security Number for KBA.
Don’t worry — Notary Public Center will guide you through the best option for your situation.
5. Notarize in English or Spanish — with expert support
Our bilingual notaries are certified and trained to handle all types of documents in both English and Spanish. Whether you’re applying for a U.S. agency or a consular service abroad, we make sure your notarized application is accepted.
Have questions during the session?
Our notary stays with you live until everything is completed correctly.
6. Need more than notarization? We’ve got you covered
Sometimes a notarized application is only one part of the process. That’s why Notary Public Center also offers:
- Translations
- Apostille and legalization services
- Shipping of original documents worldwide
- Help with affidavits, declarations, and letters
With us, you get everything you need in one place.
| # | Expert Tip | Key Action / Why it matters |
| 1 | Do Not Sign in Advance | Wait until you are in the physical or virtual presence of the notary to sign. If you sign beforehand, the document will be rejected. |
| 2 | Do Not Leave Blank Spaces | Fill out all fields completely or write «N/A» (Not Applicable). This prevents unauthorized alterations after the notarization. |
| 3 | Prepare Acceptable ID | Have a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID ready (e.g., U.S. passport or driver’s license). |
| 4 | Check Certificate Language | Review if the document requires a Jurat (swearing an oath) or an Acknowledgment (confirming your signature) before starting. |
| 5 | Pass Online Security Checks | For RON processes, be prepared to pass ID credential analysis and answer time-sensitive security questions (KBA). |
| 6 | Verify Agency Acceptance | Always confirm with the receiving agency that they accept electronic signatures and digital notary seals before proceeding. |
Complete Your Notarized Application with Notary Public Center
Do not let a technical error delay your plans. Your applications must be executed flawlessly to ensure immediate acceptance by state and federal agencies.
At Notary Public Center, our commissioned specialists guide you through the entire Remote Online Notarization process. We verify that your documents contain the correct notarial language, ensure strict compliance with state laws, and provide a secure, encrypted digital session so you can complete your notarized application from the comfort of your home or office. Contact the experts at Notary Public Center today and get your documents authenticated safely, legally, and without delays.
1. Can I get a notarized application done completely online?
Yes. Through Remote Online Notarization (RON), you can connect with a commissioned notary via a secure, recorded video call. You will sign the application electronically, and the notary will apply a digital seal. This digital document is legally equivalent to a paper document signed in person.
2. What happens if I accidentally signed the application before seeing the notary?
If the application requires a Jurat (an oath), you must sign the document in the presence of the notary. You may be required to cross out the old signature and re-sign, or fill out a new application entirely.
3. Does the notary verify if the information in my application is true?
No. A notary public is not responsible for the accuracy or legality of the contents within your application. Their sole responsibility is to verify your identity, ensure you are signing willingly, and, if required, administer an oath where you swear the information is true.
4. Can a notary public help me fill out the application or give me advice?
No. A notary public is prohibited by law from providing guidance on how to complete your application, selecting the type of notarial certificate you need, or offering explanations regarding the legal effects of the document. Doing so constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.
5. Do notarized applications expire?
The notarization itself does not expire; the notary’s seal is a permanent record of the date the signature took place. However, the receiving agency (such as a licensing board or the Department of State) may have strict rules requiring the application to be submitted within 30, 60, or 90 days of the notarization date. Always check the agency’s specific deadlines.
The information contained in this publication is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or using this content does not create and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. No reader or user should act or refrain from acting based on the information presented herein without first consulting an attorney duly licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction.
